Both very nice machines. You can't tell that the 1980 didnt come with that bag. Was is your opinion on the ST set up? Do they really lose that many CFM?
That's the difference between a 6.5 (688) and 7.0 (686) amp motor. The replacement motor you put on the 686 is definitely 7 amp, do a side by side with that black Eureka Precision ESP and you will see